NOT ACCEPTING
NEGATIVE INFLUENCE

Ibn Mas‘ud said: “Interact with people, but do not let it affect your faith. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 8, p. 30)

Islam does not teach isolation from society. On the contrary, Islam encourages interaction with all kinds of people. This is especially important because a person’s character cannot develop until someone knowledgeable imparts the right guidance to them.

Moreover, interacting with others is essential for a person’s moral development. When you engage with people, you frequently encounter situations that require ethical responses:

•     Someone may speak harshly—and you must choose to respond with what is better.

•     You may make a promise—and then need to keep it.

•     Someone may entrust you with something—and you must return it faithfully.

It is during such interactions that you receive training and develop noble character.

However, socializing should not mean that you start absorbing the wrong influences of others. For example, a woman befriended another lady. The woman used to live a simple lifestyle, but she was engaged in a very important act of public service. Her new friend, however, had a flair for fashion. The friend repeatedly said things like, “Why do you dress so plainly, like a widow?” Through such repeated remarks, the friend slowly drew her toward outward glamour. Gradually, everything about her began to change under this influence—until she came to fully prefer living for appearances and began spending hours each day focused on her looks, rather than serving and guiding others.

Islam expects its followers to become spreaders of goodness. They must always protect their integrity and positive values. Rather than being influenced by others, they should aim to influence others through their character. They should live among people as a source of goodness—not as followers of wrongdoing.